Is one of these historic homes in Tahoe/Truckee your future time machine? Sure, it costs a pretty penny (price ranges we normally wouldn’t venture into in a column typically geared toward residential homebuyers); yet these historic homes (including one lovely imposter) could serve as a wide range of personal or business ventures.
Iconic, Igloo-Inspired, and Not-Quite-Historic
This locally familiar home has intrigued North Lake Tahoe and Truckee locals and visitors for over a decade known as the “bright, white snow castle overlooking the Truckee River.” Extensive renovations have recently been completed and the Snow Haus is now on the market for just under $3 million.
Built in 2009, envisioned as the perfect escape for outdoor adventurers, this unique structure was inspired by the igloo, an ancient technique invented and used by Inuit people for centuries. Its prime location across the street from the Truckee River just north of Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows positions the home as a successful bed and breakfast. But it’s the unique stucco exterior, igloo-inspired interior, and whimsical floorplan that make it truly special.
The house sits on just over half an acre and features seven bedrooms, six-and-a-half newly renovated bathrooms, a custom kitchen, a children’s bunk room, built-in closets, ample storage space, and a massive oversized garage. Outdoor space is maximized for entertaining with five decks, six patios, and a large outdoor sunken firepit with wraparound seating.
The lot next door, which is also just over half an acre, is included in the sale.
Info: $2.65 million, 7 bed, 6.5 bath, 4,307 square feet, 8989 River Rd., Truckee, Grey Blue Realty
Seven Decades Young
Oh, so you want a vintage lake home in the most beautiful place in the world, but you’re not Mark Zuckerburg? Let’s throw in a giant, classic wooden Tahoe bear on a massive porch and I’ll raise you one cute but expansive wooden Tahoe Vista home built in 1950. You can schedule a viewing via redfin.com, but careful: You may fall in love with the redwood ’50s design, unique covered car-or-boat park, and the gorgeous foliage-dense entry. Plus, that bear told me it’s the one.
Info: $1,795,000, 4 beds, 3 baths, 2,459 square feet, 6538 Idlewood Rd., Tahoe Vista, Corcoran Global Living
The Estate of the Valley-That-Needs-Not-Be-Named
Editor’s Note: As of press time, the Poulsen Estate had a pending offer.
Local ski legend Wayne Poulsen co-founded Squaw (soon-to-be-renamed) Valley Ski Resort with Alex Cushing in 1949. He and his family have a long, storied history with the valley and “it is here that the founding family chose to live and build their dream home,” reads the listing for the 29.6-acre land including that very dream home. And dreamy, it is, indeed. The listing continues by noting the property’s sentimental value : “Included in the acreage is the original campsite along the banks of Squaw Creek that [Wayne and his wife Sandy] called home as newlyweds.”
Info: $15,000,000, 4 bed, 4.5 bath, 5,435 square feet, 325 Squaw Valley Rd., Olympic Valley, Global Real Estate
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